GLO - Three UK

GLO is a 5G internet router, designed for the UK network, Three. This router was developed in collaboration with two colleagues at Central Saint Martins. The motivation behind this concept is to allow for superb 5G connection, whilst simultaneously taking into account the user’s comfort and mental health. 

A crucial element of this design the Happy light. Happy lights are used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), which affects around 2 million people in the U.K., and to generally boost mood even in those who do not suffer from S.A.D. This design is centered around the light because a) people spend too much time indoors and away from sunlight as a result of modern lifestyles, increased use of technology, and–most recently–the COVID-19 pandemic, and b) the prospect of 5G is anxiety-inducing for many people. GLO merges a 5G device, an object that often invokes this anxiety, with methods known to improve mental health, increase physical comfort, and boost mood.